The organisers expected more than 200 million to tune in – more viewers than the Super Bowl.
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Amid entries about love and desire, Jamala’s song stood out.
At Kiev airport, hundreds of people shouting “Crimea is Ukraine” acclaimed Jamala, who is of Crimean Tatar stock, on her return from Stockholm. More than 9,000 people have been killed and while a ceasefire agreed in February, 2015, is largely holding, the two sides have yet to reach agreement on holding local elections.
“The song refers to a historical fact and Jamala makes reference to a story that happened in her family”, EBU director general Ingrid Deltenre said after the show.
“Thank you Europe!” she told the audience after her win.
Political leaders in Moscow and Crimea had initially sought to get Jamala’s song disqualified, arguing that it criticised Russia’s annexation of the Black Sea peninsula in March 2014.
Russian state television had played down the themes of Ukraine’s winning song prior to the victory announcement but on Sunday also slammed the choice as political.
Despite Australia being hotly tipped to take the Eurovision crown after receiving many jury votes, Jamala’s song was voted number one by the public, with a total of 534 points. “This doesn’t come as a surprise and is something that has been influencing the competition for many years”.
All but one of the 26 entries in the final were performed entirely or partially in English. These two years have added so much sadness to my life. “All of Europe voted for Russian Federation”.
The country had the same rights as any other competing country, with votes from a professional jury and the voting public contributing to the final scoreboard.
Germany’s Jamie-Lee finished in last place – her song Ghost received 11 points.
Meanwhile, Australia’s favourite among the Eurovision Song Contest competitors this year is Belgium, SBS reports. But nevertheless, Jamala stunned the judges and gave Ukraine a second win, according to ABC.
Franz Klintsevich, of the country’s Federation Council defence committee, was quoted in the Daily Mirror saying: “If nothing changes in Ukraine by next year, I don’t think we need to take part”.
Speaking to reporters, Jamala said she wished they could hold next year’s Eurovision in Crimea.
European Broadcasting Union Director-General Ingrid Deltenre told The Associated Press before Saturday’s final that the togetherness the event brings is important for a continent in the midst of a refugee crisis and talk of Britain’s possible withdrawal from the European Union.
But the hosts of the contests, last year’s victor Mans Zelmerlow and comedian Petra Mede struck a serious cord already in the beginning of the final.
Kuhnke said Sweden is ready to cooperate and send its specialists to Ukraine to implement some of its innovation in the contest organisation, which have proved to be effective.
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She says “you have reactions in Europe which are very polarizing… we are sending out a signal”.
